Chapter 81: The Moonlit Path and a Guardian's Riddle

Exhausted but victorious, Drake, Corvus, Elara, and Borin followed the moonlit path that shimmered through the ancient trees of the Silverwood Forest. The path wound its way deeper into the heart of the woods, the whispers of the forest growing louder with each step.

"So," Drake said, breaking the silence, "anyone else feeling like we're in a really elaborate fairy tale? Because I'm half expecting a talking rabbit to pop out any minute and offer us tea. Or maybe a wicked witch with a sweet tooth. Either way, I'm ready for some snacks."

Elara chuckled. "Just keep your eyes open," she said. "This forest is full of surprises."

They continued along the path, the whispers guiding them through the dense undergrowth. The moonlight filtering through the silver leaves created an ethereal glow, illuminating their way.

After some time, they reached a clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a massive stone archway, covered in moss and vines. The archway was bathed in moonlight, and a faint, shimmering light emanated from within.

"This must be it," Corvus said, his voice hushed. "The entrance to the Keepers' sanctuary."

As they approached the archway, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a tall, imposing being, clad in robes of woven moonlight. Its face was obscured by a hood, but its eyes glowed with an otherworldly light.

*Notification: "Enemy Detected: 1 x Moonlit Guardian. Threat Level: High."*

"Greetings, travelers," the figure said, its voice echoing through the clearing. "I am the Guardian of the Path. You seek the Keepers of the Flame, but only those who are worthy may pass. Answer my riddle, and the path will be open to you. Fail, and you shall remain here, forever lost in the Silverwood."

Drake grinned. "A riddle, huh? I love riddles. Especially when they involve life-or-death stakes. It adds a certain… *spice* to the challenge."

The Guardian chuckled. "Very well. Listen closely, for my words are as fleeting as the moonlight."

The Guardian then spoke the riddle:

*"I have no voice, but I can speak to you. I have no body, but I can show you the way. I have no life, but I can guide you to life. What am I?"*

Drake pondered the riddle, his brow furrowed. "Hmm… no voice, but can speak… no body, but can show the way… no life, but can guide to life…" He snapped his fingers. "I've got it! It's… a map! Or a signpost! Or maybe a really well-written Yelp review! What do you think?"

The Guardian remained silent, its eyes fixed on Drake.

Corvus stepped forward. "I believe I know the answer," he said. "The answer is… a dream."

The Guardian nodded. "Indeed. A dream is the answer. For it is in dreams that we can hear the whispers of our subconscious, see visions of the future, and find guidance on our path. You have proven yourselves worthy. The path is open to you."

The Guardian stepped aside, revealing a hidden passage behind the archway. The passage was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, beckoning them forward.

"Well, that was surprisingly easy," Drake said. "I was expecting something more… dramatic. Like a fire-breathing sphinx or a puzzle that requires you to rearrange constellations. But a riddle? That's a bit… anticlimactic."

Elara rolled her eyes. "Just be grateful we didn't have to fight another monster," she said.

They entered the passage, the light guiding them deeper into the heart of the mountain. The whispers of the forest grew louder, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation.

Their journey to find the Keepers of the Flame was about to enter a new chapter.